It gained Modesto national attention and is happening now. But you need to hurry

Modesto gained national attention for its stunning array of almond blossoms that have turned the region’s orchards into spring destinations.

The blossoms are back and the annual Almond Blossom Cruise is underway to guide you through those scenic routes. Put on by Visit Modesto, there are new events this year.

Right now is the time to catch the beauty, with a limited window — more limited this year because of recent rains, with possibly more to come, according to Todd Aaronson, CEO of Visit Modesto.

“It’s an odd year,” he said.

“I’m hoping for at least a long week left of blossoms ...,” Aaronson said Thursday, adding that “Mother Nature has got her own plans, and I’m not arguing with Mother Nature.”

For updates, see visitmodesto.com/almond-blossom-cruise.

Aaronson said the show will continue to be “beautiful” along the cruise route even after the blossoms have fallen, thanks to the “valley snow.” That’s when the dropped petals blanket the orchard floors.

Attracts people from across the country

The above-mentioned national attention came first via a 2024 Frugal Traveler column in the New York Times suggesting that people should skip Washington, D.C., or other pricey destinations this time of year and visit Modesto instead.

According to a story in The Bee, the column indicated that the Modesto region is a less expensive yet enjoyable travel spot for viewing the blossoming trees.

Last year, “CBS Saturday Morning” had a segment featuring Modesto’s Almond Blossom Cruise, hosted by its West Coast correspondent Emily Cook, according to another story in The Bee.

Aaronson said Thursday that they have people scheduling visits “from all across the country still.”

The Almond Blossom Cruise includes stops in Oakdale, at the Knights Ferry Bridge, at Sciabica Olive Oil, Roberts Ferry Gourmet, Rodin Farms and other public orchards, according to the release.

Following are some of Visit Modesto’s plans for this year:

Almond Blossom Sunset Dinners: The dinners will be held Feb. 27 and March 7 in the orchard at Richard’s Ranch, 300 Grimes Ave., Modesto. Featured will be outdoor dining, cocktails and live music beneath blooming trees.

Dinner tickets are $81.88, $151.23 for couples. They must be purchased by Feb. 24 for the Feb. 27 event; by March 4 for March 27.

Buzz Bus Blossom Tour: This is a new event for 2026 and will be offered March 7. The hosted tour features three wine-tasting stops. Tickets start at $130, with optional hotel packages.

Petal to the Metal Tour: You can take the Almond Blossom Cruise in a “luxury coach” on Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests receive a swag bag, an almond butter milkshake and take part in olive oil tastings at Sciabica’s Olive Oil & Brewery. Tickets start at $75, with optional hotel packages.

Plein Air Orchard Painting: Beginners to advanced artists can capture the blossoms at Zinc House Farms, 20679 CA-120 in Escalon, guided by artist Edem Elesh. Professional oil or acrylic paints, brushes, palettes and canvases will be provided. The classes will be held Feb. 27-28 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tickets start at $49.

Van Gogh–Inspired Art Challenge: Inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s Almond Blossom series, this community art contest celebrates spring in the valley through photography, textiles, digital art and sculpture. Contact Visit Modesto for more information at 209-526-5588.

Audiobook Blossom Tour: Also new this year is an Audible audiobook option. It includes stories from the original Wayfarer App and allows visitors to customize their own blossom stops. Listeners will hear from almond farmers, fruit tree nursery experts, olive oil producers and historians of the E.&J. Gallo Winery. It’s listed at $9.76 on Amazon’s Audible website.

While it attracts people outside the region, Aaronson noted that the almond blossoms offer an opportunity for locals who might not otherwise be aware of what’s around them.

“It is hard for us to see the forest through the trees,” he said, “and this is a really great time to take a look in our backyard and to see how beautiful it really is.”